Microbiome Fructan Metabolism and Symptoms in Childhood IBS

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This study evaluates whether the gut microbiome is involved in determining whether children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) develop worsening GI symptoms (e.g. pain) when given fructans (a sugar often found in wheat). Participants will both receive a diet with fructans and a diet without fructans.

Condition or disease

Intervention/treatment

Phase

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Other: FructanOther: Maltodextrin

Not Applicable

Detailed Description:

Fructans (fructo-oligosaccharides) are a type of carbohydrate which can not be hydrolyzed by humans. It is commonly found in wheat in the American diet. After ingestion they arrive essentially intact into the colon where they are metabolized by the colonic microbiome. Fructan avoidance has been found to help decrease gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. pain) in those with IBS.

However not all individuals with IBS have worsening symptoms when eating fructans in their diet. This study seeks to evaluate whether the microbiome is involved in determining whether an individual with IBS has worsening symptoms with fructan ingestion.

Following a one week baseline period, participants will be randomized in a double-blind cross-over fashion to either a 72 hour meal period with fructans or a 72 hour meal period with maltodextrin (placebo). A washout period of at least 10 days will occur in between. Symptoms will be captured using a stool and pain diary. Stool specimens and urine specimens will be obtained at baseline and during the dietary interventions. Breath hydrogen testing will be obtained during the dietary interventions.

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Ages Eligible for Study:

7 Years to 17 Years (Child)

Sexes Eligible for Study:

All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

Yes

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Children ages 7-17 years

Children with IBS will meet Rome III criteria per the Rome III questionnaire

Healthy children will not have chronic conditions

English speaking and able to read/write in English

Exclusion Criteria:

Previous bowel surgery

Documented gastrointestinal disorder (e.g. ulcerative colitis)

Serious chronic medical condition (e.g. diabetes)

Weight and/or height are greater than or less than 2 standard deviations for age